While the transatlantic crossing is ocean-dominated on both sides, the left side benefits from the Apennine foothills and Tiber valley on the descent into Rome, giving it a stronger and more varied overall view than the right side's flatter coastal approach and less distinctive departure scenery.
Flown IAD to FCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Rome is 4,494 miles (7,232 km), a flight of about 8 hours 35 minutes.
The route crosses Atlantic Canada near Newfoundland, then the open North Atlantic, before making landfall over Ireland or Brittany and continuing across France toward the Alps and northern Italy.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD northbound before turning east, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Washington D.C. skyline, the Potomac River, and the National Mall monuments as the aircraft climbs out over Maryland. The left side mostly shows suburban Virginia and rolling Piedmont terrain with less definition.
Landing at FCO
LEFTOn approach into FCO from the north, the left side typically faces the Tiber River valley and the outskirts of Rome, with the Apennine foothills visible inland before the final turn onto the runway. The right side mostly shows flat coastal farmland and the Tyrrhenian Sea with fewer distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Fiumicino (FCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Rome. While the transatlantic crossing is ocean-dominated on both sides, the left side benefits from the Apennine foothills and Tiber valley on the descent into Rome, giving it a stronger and more varied overall view than the right side's flatter coastal approach and less distinctive departure scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAD northbound before turning east, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Washington D.C. skyline, the Potomac River, and the National Mall monuments as the aircraft climbs out over Maryland. The left side mostly shows suburban Virginia and rolling Piedmont terrain with less definition. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington D.C. skyline, Chesapeake Bay in the distance, Maryland suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?
When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into FCO from the north, the left side typically faces the Tiber River valley and the outskirts of Rome, with the Apennine foothills visible inland before the final turn onto the runway. The right side mostly shows flat coastal farmland and the Tyrrhenian Sea with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Tiber River delta, Roman countryside, distant Apennine foothills, Tyrrhenian coastline.
How long is the flight from Washington to Rome?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes about 8 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,494 miles (7,232 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Rome flight path pass over?
The route crosses Atlantic Canada near Newfoundland, then the open North Atlantic, before making landfall over Ireland or Brittany and continuing across France toward the Alps and northern Italy.